Pianist For Hire Houston, Texas

About Pianist for Hire -  Tonya Allender

My name is Tonya Allender and I have been a pianist in Houston, Texas for over 24 years.

I began my training of the piano at the age of three. As a child, my parents and I would attend church services. When I heard a song that I liked, I would remember it in detail, without seeing the music.  I would then go home to my small fifteen key organ and replay the song I heard in church.  It was at this time that my parents discovered my ear for music.

I continued to absorb music I would hear on the radio and in service, never faltering in replaying the piece on my little organ.

At the age of eight, I began private instruction with a piano teacher by the name of Randi Jackson. This wonderful woman developed my ear-training while also teaching me to read music. I was very fortunate to become the student of a teacher who did develop my ear for music, and not disregard it.  I trained with Randi for eight years and won first place in competitions under her direction. My last recital with her consisted of a duet with she and I. I played the piano part and she played the flute to “Somewhere Out There”. She, along with my parents, enhanced my training and love of music and I am forever grateful for their love and support.

I have over 29 years experience in music and have been playing professionally for over thirteen years. I have since been performing for retirement and assisted living communities, high-end restaurants, weddings and anniversaries, receptions, corporate and private parties, holiday gatherings, and cruise ships. I also play for my husband and children privately, which I thoroughly enjoy.